During the 20th Annual State of the City, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross awarded Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber, the Mayor’s American Dream Award. This award honors leaders who are making a tremendous impact in Arlington through community initiatives, development or public service.

Over the past several years, Arlington continues to take center stage nationally and globally. A feat Ross shared could not happen without the government, businesses and community working together. 

“None of this would be possible without a business community that understands the importance of relationships,” he said. “None of that would be possible without a Chamber of Commerce that could lead a business community in a way that gets them all working together.”

“We happen to have – and I’m biased – the best Chamber of Commerce anywhere in the state of Texas with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce,” Ross said. “Their membership has grown tremendously, but more importantly, their ability to provide the networking, the support and the family that small businesses need is off the charts. They have someone at the helm that is second-to-none when it comes to understanding the importance of working together.”

Along with his leadership of the Greater Arlington Chamber, Jacobson serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Arlington EDC and sits on countless boards in the community. He strives to make Arlington a better community for businesses and citizens. He continuously lives out the Chamber’s mission, Together, We Champion Community and Economic Prosperity.

When past board chairs were asked by the city how Jacobson is impacting Arlington, they shared that his desire for collaboration, passion for Arlington and dedication to open, honest communication makes a difference in the business community.

“He is a connector,” Kelly Curnutt, the immediate past Chamber Board Chair, said. “He connects people in so many different ways. Whether or not it helps the Chamber, Michael is still out there making connections to help the people, our communities, our business, our cities and to help everyone.”

“He is just so enthusiastic about Arlington,” Kellie Fischer, 2022 Chamber Board Chair, said. “He is just jam packed with enthusiasm and energy and next steps for what he wants to bring to our city and our community.”

Jacobson joins past honorees Carolyn Mentesana of Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, Jean Jewell of Green Oaks School and City Manager Trey Yelverton.